Novel Coronavirus – China and Other
Wings Travel Management felt it prudent from a duty of care and travel risk standpoint, to create further awareness around the ongoing health emergency in China. In the latest development, the World Health Organization has declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. CNN.comreports that some cases of the same virus have been confirmed in over 20 places outside mainland China.
TRAVEL ADVISORIES
The US Department of State has issued a Level 4 Advisory – essentially advising against all travel to China. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all travel to Hubei Province due to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak. The FCO also advises against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao). Some airlines, including British Airways, have suspended flights to and from mainland China. Other commercial airlines are still operating, but it may become harder over the coming weeks for those who wish to leave China to do so.https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china
PROTECTIVE MEASURES
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published important advice on their website, of which we encourage all our customers to take careful note:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/prevention.html
Please disseminate this announcement within your Company as deemed necessary. Should you need assistance with changes to existing bookings, please contact your travel consultant without delay.